![Taft Soccer Shines on Inaugural Prep School All-America Team]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1767814117/taft/rzd598eg69ahpw9igucz/AllAmericaHero.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1767814117/taft/rzd598eg69ahpw9igucz/AllAmericaHero.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1767814117/taft/rzd598eg69ahpw9igucz/AllAmericaHero.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1767814117/taft/rzd598eg69ahpw9igucz/AllAmericaHero.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1767814117/taft/rzd598eg69ahpw9igucz/AllAmericaHero.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1767814117/taft/rzd598eg69ahpw9igucz/AllAmericaHero.png","width":2200}])
High School on SI announced its inaugural Prep School All-America Boys Soccer Team, recognizing the top players from the nation’s prep school programs. The team showcases a deep pool of talent that includes MLS Next products, postgraduates, international prospects, national champions, and future NCAA standouts.
Selections span top leagues and regions, including the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC), Prep Premier League (PPL), Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL), and other independent programs across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest.
Taft was prominently represented, with head coach Ozzie Parente earning Coach of the Year honors after leading the Rhinos to an undefeated 20-0-1 season, a Prep School National Co–No. 1 ranking, and a second straight NEPSAC Class A championship — the first program to repeat in Class A since 2014. Since taking over in 2013, Parente has compiled a 172-33-20 record, guided Taft to six Founders League titles, and reached four NEPSAC Class A finals in the past five seasons.
Taft also placed two players on the inaugural All-America First Team, as well as a Second Team placement, and a handful of Honorable Mention selections. Senior defender Marcos Santana, a two-year captain, anchored a back line that posted eight shutouts during Taft’s championship season. Committed to reigning NCAA Division III champion Tufts, Santana contributed four goals and two assists and was recognized for his leadership with the Livingston Carroll Soccer Award (Coach’s Award). Junior forward Alex Calabro enjoyed a breakout campaign, leading top-ranked Taft with 22 goals and seven assists. He scored four postseason goals — including two in the NEPSAC Class A championship — and was named NEPSAC Class A Player of the Year while drawing significant interest from major college programs.
Credit: New England Soccer Journal
Second Team:
Vincent Levasseur
Honorable Mentions:
James Cooper
Mathis Elissaint
Tye Haley
Will Murray
Brayden Raudenbush
Read the full story here.
The boys’ were also featured in New England Soccer Journal for their accomplishments this season, with captains Marcos Santana, Vincent Levasseur, and James Cooper featured on the cover—the full issue and article (pg. 8-11) can be found here.